It seems British Airways is trying to find more ways of keeping its Embraer fleet busy during the summer – with the airline returning to Bristol and Birmingham
British Airways Embraer E-190SR at London City Airport – Image, Economy Class and Beyond.
The great return of British Airways remembering the regions is only seasonal – with the launch of summer-only routes to European sun destinations
From May, the airline will fly from Birmingham and Bristol to
- Malaga (Spain)
- Ibiza (Spain)
- Palma (Spain)
- Florence (Italy)
British Airways will utilise Embraer 190 (normally used at London City Airport), and operate them in a two class configuration.
Flights will operate once a weekend as return trips.
Times are as follows from British Airways
Bristol Network
| Route | Depart | Arrive |
| Bristol-Florence | 1.10pm | 4.25pm |
| Florence- Bristol | 11.05am | 12.25pm |
| Bristol-Ibiza | 3.25pm | 6.50pm |
| Ibiza- Bristol | 1.10pm | 2.40pm |
| Bristol-Malaga | 4pm | 7.40pm |
| Malaga-Bristol | 1.30pm | 3.15pm |
| Bristol-Palma | 4.30pm | 7.55pm |
| Palma-Bristol | 2.15pm | 3.45pm |
Lead in fares start at:
- Bristol to Palma from £45,
- Bristol to Florence
- Bristol to Ibiza from £49
- Bristol to Malaga from £59
These are the basic fares and don’t include luggage or seat assignment.
Birmingham Network
| Route | Depart | Arrive |
| Birmingham-Florence | 7.30pm | 10.40pm |
| Florence-Birmingham | 5.10pm | 6.35pm |
| Birmingham-Ibiza | 10.10pm | 1.45am |
| Ibiza-Birmingham | 7.50pm | 9.25pm |
| Birmingham-Malaga | 11.05pm | 2.55am |
| Malaga-Birmingham | 8.25pm | 10.20pm |
| Birmingham-Palma | 11pm | 2.30am |
| Palma-Birmingham | 8.40pm | 10.15pm |
Lead in fares vary depending on the route:
- Birmingham to Ibiza from £45
- Birmingham to Florence from £49
- Birmingham to Malaga from £49
- Birmingham to Palma from £49
Again, these are basic fares. Those who want frills like luggage and seat assignment should go for their more expensive fares.
British Airways abandoned the regions when it sold its regional operation (BA Connect) to Flybe in 2007. The airline will also be deploying Embraer aircraft over the summer from Manchester and London Stansted Airport too.
Is it time to remove the line of London Airways with this act by British Airways?
No. Here, we have aircraft that were doing nothing in the weekend now doing something and maybe earning money for the airline.
There’s zero commitment to return to the regions or offer direct services from the regions on a daily basis.
For now, its British Airways utilising its fleet effectively. Nothing more, nothing less.
Come back to me when we have daily services from the regions, and flying the flag please British Airways…
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